Anyone banded in Rochester, NY?

I'm wondering about Dr. William O'Malley at Strong Hospital. If so, what was your impression of him and do you know how many band surgeries he's done? I'm scheduled for a seminar 12/29, but am curious now. Sorry if this post shows up 2 times, I think I was in the wrong state on this message board and posted there! Still trying to navigate around! Thank you!

I attended a seminar with him in October and I feel VERY confident with him and in my decision choosing him. It was really informative and he explained the procedure well. I walked out of there feeling satisfied with the information he gave and having him be my surgeon. Hopefully if all goes like I hope it does. I hope this helped!!??

Hi Barb - are you considering the banding or bypass? I found the staff during phone conversations I've had to be very friendly and helpful. I'm expecting a packet of information from them before the seminar. I'm finding very few doctors locally that do the banding and if they do, they haven't done very many. I would feel more confident with someone with extensive experience. Thank you!

I am looking to do the bypass. I think (if I remember correctly) they said that the banding isn't covered by most insurance because it's considered experimental still. I think that's why it hasn't been done a whole lot. Don't hold me to that, but if my memory is correct that's the deal. I haven't read too much on the banding to know about it. I guess it's because I want the bypass and that's what I am researching.

Fortunately, my insurance covers the banding and the fills, which is nice. I fear the bypass because of the rearranging of internal organs and possibly vitamin deficiancy (I'm thinking long term). Bypass is appealing to finally get a handle on my weight and the yo-yo dieting I've been doing for more than 20 years. Banding has it's advantages too and I've seen a lot of success stories with it, but as with both, there are risks. I have a lot of research to do. Do you have a date for surgery yet? Curious, did he cover banding in the seminar as well?

I e-mailed you back. Hope that's ok.

Karen,This is probally not much help, but I was going to chose Dr. Omally for gast. bypass.His waiting time is longer so I choose Dr.Boss aslo from Highland hosp. I went to the seminar in September and he basicaly said what Barb said about the insurers are hesitant to ok the band because it is new to the area and is considered experimental . Thats great if your insurance will cover it.Make sure to make your appiontments with the nutriitionist and shrink soon as you get your packet,because that seems to be the hold up.And your primarycare doctor must support the decision .If he or she doesn't support it, you need to find one that will.I had one that wouldn't hear me out about wls,he was so closed minded.I felt like I deserved to let the surgeon and myself decide if iI was a good canidate for wls.So I switched my pcp and she supports my decision 100%.well good luck. Darlene Briseno